NEW ORLEANS -- Bourbon Street remains to eclectic to what Jimi Hendrix is to electric. This isn't exactly a place to find yourself. Get lost in thought, food and spirits, perhaps. But not find yourself.
It is ironic, then, that the Broncos arrive at the Superdome looking for their offensive identity. Last season, the Broncos captured their second wind at Chicago when Brock Osweiler went under center, sparking the running game. Denver needs a sequel. This offense is built to run with a complementary quarterback. Trevor Siemian, who has not been the same since spraining his shoulder at Tampa Bay, wasn't meant to throw 40 times a game. When he does that, the Broncos lose. They need balance. Can they find it entering the bye week?
My Three Big Things to Look for during the game:
1) Grow up fast
Young members of the Broncos benefit from the team's previous excellence. It's time for some of them to embellish it. Without strong performances from Devontae Booker, Kapri Bibbs -- look for them to split carries -- and Adam Gotsis the Broncos are doomed. Life isn't fair in the NFL. The Broncos benefited last year from unlikely contributors last season. This game somebody off the beaten path needs to step up.
2) Gritz grit
This would be a fine time for the run defense to make a stand and reverse a trend. The Broncos have been gashed for 128 yards per game. If the Saints can run, the Broncos will want to hide. Gotsis, Sly Williams and Billy Winn must deliver their best performances of season without Derek Wolfe.
3) Take chances
The Broncos have nothing to lose offensively. The Saints surrender huge plays. It's time for Siemian to let down his hair and throw deep a few more times on 50-50 passes. A big day from receiver Emmanuel Sanders could be the difference.
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Want Broncos news? Denver7 Broncos insider Troy E. Renck is your source. He talks to the players, covers the games and reports scoops on Denver7 and the Denver7 app. He is a CU grad who has covered pro sports in Colorado since 1996, including 14 years at The Denver Post. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter and TheDenverChannel.com’s Broncos page. Troy welcomes most of your emails at Troy.Renck@kmgh.com.